The Johor government aims to review rate of the raw water supply to Singapore, which has not been changed since 1962.

The current rate, which is three cents for 1000 gallons of raw water is seen to be insufficient due to the high cost of maintenance .

Johor chairman of public works, rural and regional development committee Datuk Ir Hasni Mohamad said the decision to increase the rates lies at the federal government level as it involves two countries.

"Singapore receives 250 million gallons of raw water from us and we only receive 16 million gallons of treated water from Singapore every day. We brought this matter to the federal government, who will relate it to Singapore,” he said.

According to the agreement between the two countries in 1961-1962, Malaysia supplies about 250 million gallons of raw water supply at three cents per thousand gallons.

While Singapore sells the treated water to Malaysia at the rate of 50 cents for a thousand gallons.

From 250 million gallons sold, Malaysia can only buy two percent, which is 16 million gallons per day of the treated water.

He added that the state government is prepared to present arguments and facts needed to support the intention to review the rate of raw water charges to the republic. The federal government will decide on the matter before the end of this year.

"Hopefully there are no problems when Malaysia discusses the matter with Singapore and the state government believe it can be resolved later this year," he said.